Longtime president of HBO Documentary Films to shepherd new
generation of documentary filmmakers exploring issues that impact youth
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MTV, a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ:VIAB), today announced that Sheila Nevins
— the legendary producer who redefined modern documentary storytelling
and won dozens of Emmy® and Peabody® Awards as President of HBO
Documentary Films — will join MTV to launch MTV Documentary Films. As
part of MTV Studios, the new division will develop documentary films and
specials for third-party streaming services, premium networks and MTV
platforms. Under Nevins’ leadership, MTV Documentary Films will embrace
a new generation of filmmakers exploring the social, political and
cultural trends and stories important to young people.
“MTV has always been at the forefront of youth culture, and the
generation that is growing up now will change the world in ways we can’t
even imagine,” said Nevins. “I’m excited to join MTV with electrifying
stories that explore the crises and commitments that young people face
every day.”
“Throughout her stellar career, Sheila has elevated documentaries into
one of the most compelling, culturally influentially forms of modern
storytelling,” said Chris McCarthy, President of MTV. “As we grow and
expand MTV, we’re excited for Sheila to bring a new generation of
filmmakers to the forefront and continue to extend our creativity and
cultural impact.”
Nina L. Diaz, President of Entertainment for MTV, added, “What we
started two decades ago with MTV News and Docs continues to inspire
today. As we relaunch our documentary division, it’s exhilarating to
have Sheila at the helm.”
MTV Documentary Films continues the rapid expansion of the global youth
brand across its network of channels, platforms, live events and
third-party development through MTV Studios. Under Nevins’ leadership,
MTV Documentary Films will build on the rich heritage of MTV News and
Docs and MTV Films which, for more than 20 years, produced
groundbreaking content including the Emmy Award winning series “True
Life,” the Academy Award® nominated “Tupac: Resurrection” and the
Academy Award winning “Hustle & Flow.”
As President of HBO Documentary Films, Nevins helped shape culture for
more than three decades. Her projects have garnered 28 Academy Awards
and 44 Peabody® Awards, and Nevins has personally won a record of 34
individual Primetime Emmy Awards. She is the executive producer of more
than 1,500 acclaimed series and films including “Going Clear:
Scientology and the Prison of Belief,” “When the Levees Broke,”
“Paradise Lost,” “America Undercover,” “Taxicab Confessions” and the
Oscar® winning “Citizenfour” – where she first worked with MTV
Communications Head Liza Burnett Fefferman, who suggested Nevins to MTV.
ABOUT MTV
MTV is the leading global youth media brand in 180 countries, reaching
450 million households in nearly 30 different languages across every
platform. A unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ:VIAB, VIA), MTV operations span
cable and mobile networks, live events, theatrical films and MTV Studios.
Contacts
Trevor Martin
[email protected]
